Major radio reshuffle on the cards with rumours 3AW’s Neil Mitchell could step down

Talkback radio legend Neil Mitchell is reportedly looking to hang up his headphones – prompting a massive restructure at a popular Melbourne station.

Speculation is mounting that 3AW’s Neil Mitchell is set to retire after 33 years at the top Melbourne station.

The Herald Sun reports that the radio talkback legend, who currently helms 3AW Mornings, will be replaced by Drive host Tom Elliott.

The move would prompt another big change, with former Channel 7 presenter Jacqui Felgate tipped to take over from Elliott on the 3-6pm weekday program.

Neil Mitchell may soon hang up his headphones.

Mitchell, 71, has been a ratings juggernaut for the Melbourne talkback station, easily winning the ratings battle in every survey and credited with steering the national conversation – and according to the Herald Sun, it will ultimately be his decision on if and when he leaves.

The publication also reports that his current contract will expire at the end of this year after being extended from its original June 30 end date.

He’s tipped to be replaced by Drive’s Tom Elliott. Picture: Jay Town

... and Jacqui Felgate would reportedly then take over Drive. Picture: Sam Tabone/Supplied

The popular presenter is a member of Melbourne Press Club’s Hall of Fame and previously worked as editor of the Herald Sun and as a columnist and executive for The Age.

While at 3AW, Mitchell was responsible for breaking the story that Ford was terminating its Australian manufacturing operations in 2013, which scored him a Walkley Award.

The Victorian government was also forced to refund $26 million in invalid fines after Mitchell exposed faulty speed cameras.

In 2007, Mitchell was made an Officer of the order of Australia (AO) for “service to the print, radio and television media, and to the community through a range of charitable institutions.”

Throughout his impressive media career, he’s also won eight Melbourne Press Quill Awards.

3AW was the clear winner in the most recent radio ratings survey with 14.6 per cent audience share, followed by GoldFM with 11.1 per cent and smoothfm in third place with 9.7 per cent.